Page 103 of Luci’s Lullaby

“Please, let me leave.”

“No. I need you here.” His jaw sets.

I blanch. “You need me here? Not want but need?”

He swivels in his seat but before he can say a word, he’s flanked by two brunettes.

“Alden! Can we get a picture?” they say it in such a way that my skin crawls.

“Sure.” He stands, cozying up with one on each side.

I cock my brow as rage fills me. I see my chance and scoot from the seat. I slip by them and head for the door. I’m halfway there when someone grabs my arm and spins me around.

Alden presses me to him, and his hand knots in my hair as he stares at me. He slides the other hand to the small of my back, holding me to him. Our bodies mold to each other, and the world stops turning.

He tilts his head, searching my face. Leaning in, he brushes my lips with his and hesitates. My eyes begin to well. I no longer understand any of this or what he wants.

“You drive me crazy. You get under my skin quicker than any other person in the world. You love Luci like she’s your own blood. You make me want to scream and kiss you all at once.” He glowers.

“What do you want me to do about it?” Tears run down my face. “You drive me insane too, but that doesn’t mean…”

“Say it.” Alden sets his mouth. “Tell me.”

“I’m falling in love with you.” The minute I say the words, my head spins and he takes my mouth.

His tongue sweeps over mine and I give in, allowing him to take everything he needs from me. Praying he’ll want all I have to give. His lips are soft yet commanding.

This kiss is different.

I fist his hair, doing my best to get even closer to him. He swirls his tongue with mine, kissing me deeply. My knees go weak but he holds on, giving me as much as he takes.

When we do come up for air, he brushes my lips and runs his nose along the side of mine. My body trembles from his touch as we pretend there’s no one else in the world.

Until the table full of our friends start yelling and clapping as they cheer us on. A round of woohoo and yeahs echo through the entire place. I begin to flush as we giggle.

“Please, stay,” Alden asks as we gaze at one another.

“Always.”